Origin Tech Group has entered into an agreement with the government of Niger State to revolutionise agricultural and livestock value-chain space in the West African sub-region and beyond.
The partnership agreement was officially signed at an event at the Oregun office of Origin Tech Group between the two parties and it aims to unlock and maximise the huge potentials of Niger State in the agriculture space for profitability and mitigation of the perennial food shortages presently exacerbated by socio-economic and political tensions in Nigeria and elsewhere.
According to the chairman of the Origin Tech Group, Prince S J Samuel: ‘’We are very elated to have you here and for us at Origin, it is a covenant and a mission, and we have vowed to ensure that we are in lockstep and to collaborate with States and other stakeholders who is aligned in that direction, and desirous of rapidly elevating and expanding food production.”
The move also aligns with the audacious pronouncement of Mr. President of a state of emergency on food security.
Prince Samuel further affirmed that Origin Tech Group will throw its full capacities behind the partnership which quite frankly will not be limited to equipment support services alone as the partnership will also extend to mobilising support from Origin Tech Group’s international financial partners including local funding institutions for adequate financing.
The governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, who was enthusiastic and excited at the visit, said: ‘’My inspiration for agriculture was borne out of an experience I had as a student at the Harvard Business School while attending a course a few years. ago. I observed that many of my course mates were leading agricultural revolutions in their various countries, thus lifting their communities out of food shortage, hunger, poverty, and unemployment. So, on a deeper reflection, I realised that the conversation must change and change it must.”
The Produce-for-Lagos Initiative is a long-term strategic partnership between two states, where Niger State will produce food items [Paddy, Tubers, Legumes, Grains etc] and Lagos State will position itself as huge off takers considering the state’s reputation and equity as a major organised market.
Under this arrangement, the farmers in Niger State will have a ready market for their produce while Lagos State citizens will be assured of food availability and the attendant price stability.
